"I don't envy him" - Exclusive: Don Goodman drops Sheffield Wednesday claim | OneFootball

Henrik Pedersen has been given the manager's role at Sheffield Wednesday following Danny Röhl's departure

Former Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion forward, Don Goodman, does not envy new Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen as he embarks on what he believes might be "the impossible job" in the Hillsborough dugout.

The Owls confirmed Pedersen to be their new boss following Danny Röhl's departure earlier in the week.

The 47-year-old had been touted to replace the German throughout the summer, after he extended his contract at the club in July, amidst reports that Röhl had failed to show up for pre-season training alongside the rest of the remaining players.

Ultimately, Röhl returned to work following Pedersen's contract extension, but left the club via mutual consent just weeks later.

Wednesday fans now at least have a manager who seems committed to the club for the full season, but with a threadbare squad, an inability to spend money on players, and those who do arrive at the club either on loan or via free transfer having to be paid a maximum of £7,000 per week, it's still looking incredibly bleak at Hillsborough ahead of next weeked's Championship owner against Leicester City.

Current EFL pundit Don Goodman sympathises with Pedersen, as it's an increasingly tough situation to be dropped into. In an exclusive interview with Football League World, he outlined what his number one priority should be between now and the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

Don Goodman "doesn't envy" Henrik Pedersen as Dane takes Sheffield Wednesday job

"I think it was all set up for Henrik Pedersen to become Sheffield Wednesday manager once Danny Röhl didn't turn up for pre-season training for a couple of weeks," Goodman told FLW.

"Pedersen extended his contract, and all the rumours around Wednesday that he'd be given the opportunity have happened now."

This is Pedersen's first managerial role since he joined Röhl's coaching staff in October 2023. Before then, he was the manager at Danish second division side Vendsyssel FF.

Goodman knows how difficult a situation Sheffield Wednesday are in, and sees this job as a bit of a free hit, almost, as the Owls come into the 2025/26 campaign with little to no expectations of doing well.

"I don't envy him," he continued. "It's a very difficult job, it may be an impossible job as things stand at the moment.

"But from his point of view, it may be a free hit as, if it doesn't go well for him, people will just look at the circumstances surrounding Sheffield Wednesday."

The Sky Sports pundit believes that perhaps not even the greatest managers of all time could come into this situation at Hillsborough and get a solid tune out of the unmotivated remains at the club.

"It's a difficult job that you'd probably think José Mourinho or Pep Guardiola couldn't sort out.

"I think he'll be looking to create some spirit in the group and some unity to try and survive against all odds," he concluded.

New manager can at least lift some spirits in the Sheffield Wednesday camp

It's impossible not to be deflated as a Sheffield Wednesday supporter going into the new season, which starts in just over a week.

However, having someone who looks committed to the club at the helm in Henrik Pedersen could possibly be a small step towards a bigger goal.

The 47-year-old spoke incredibly fondly of the club when he was announced, and also noted that this season will be difficult. However, he's ready to weather the current storm to get out on the other side, wherever and whenever that may be.

Having someone who could instil a bit of fight into the remaining Wednesday players has to be a positive, as they're going to be enduring a huge one over the next nine months.